Enough Courage

☆Chapter 8

I basically run home to tell the girls the news.

Kelesy is in her usual place in the living room. Legs slung over the side of the love seat, remote pointed to the TV in a desperate search to find something to watch.

"Guess what?" I say immediately, and throw myself onto the floor beside her.

She sits up and crosses her legs, "what?" She says just as excited as me.

"Wait, where's Shaina?"

"She has class until 5."

I frown, "all well she can wait." I sit cross-legged and Kelesy leans even more forward urging me to spill the beans. "Collins asked me to go with him to this beach house him and his friends are renting for the weekend!"

Her mouth hangs open. "Are you serious!?"

"Yeah! Isn't it great? I convinced myself he didn't like me after last night, but then this-"

"You should ask if we can go."

"What?" I say immediately defeated. "Like you and Shaina?"

"Yeah." She says like its obvious.

"I thought you were happy for me."

"I am, girl! But this is also a great opportunity for me to get the hell out of town for a couple of days. Plus, you'll need our help."

"Doubtful." I say slightly hurt. "But fine, I'll ask Collins, if there's not enough room though- it's a no."

"We could sleep on the floor."

I roll my eyes at her.

"Fine, fine." She agrees with a smirk.

I get up to go text Collins.

Ellis: Hey Collins, hope this isn't weird but I was wondering if you have enough room for 2 girls this weekend? We can pitch in for the cost.

Collins: Sure thing! The more the merrier. You guys will share a room though if that's okay?

Ellis: Oh yeah, don't want to put anybody out. Thanks!

Collins: No problem, can't wait to see you tomorrow.

Reading those simple words makes my whole body tingle.

Ellis: Can't wait too :)

Collins: Hope you're prepared for our shenanigans :D

Ellis: Should I be scared?

Collins: Only a little... I'm going to break you outta that shell of yours Ellis.

My heart beats fast. I put my phone down so it doesn't beat out of my chest.

I hear the front door open and close. I hear Kelesy faintly tell Shaina the news.

I go back to the living room and Shaina is sitting on the love seat beside Kelesy. They both wait for me to tell them.if they're going or not.

"Yes." Is all I say.

"Yes! Yes! Yes!" Kelesy jumps up and literally hops around the room in excitement. I can't help but smile.

"We have to share a room though."

"Awww." They say almost in unison.

"Beggers can't be choosers." I say. "Remember, we leave at 10!" I shout as I walk back down the hallway to my room. I start packing my stuff for tomorrow. I'm one of those people that could pack the whole house and not be satisfied so I really try to limit the things I bring so Collins doesn't think I'm a basket case.

I can't believe he's know me for a week now and is still showing interest in me. I'm sure it'll end soon though.

I shake my head as if shaking my head was going to rid of all the negative comments in my brain.

Kelesy bursts into my room holding a two piece and one piece bathing suit.

"I don't think we'll be swimming." I say automatically. "It's almost October in Maine."

"Obviously," she says. "But hot tubs are popular amongst beach houses, no?"

I throw up my hands, "okay." I laugh. "You got me there."

"One piece or two piece."

"Two piece."

"But black is so in right now." She holds up the one piece like she was waiting for me to change my mind.

"But red is classic, two piece." I say again holding my ground.

"Fine." She pouts. "You're right. By the way..." She trails off sounding super suspicious. "How many guys are gonna be there?" She asks nonchalantly.

"I don't know." I shrug.

"That's important info, Ellis." She rolls her eyes at me.

"Sorry. I don't think that far ahead. One thing at a time."

"What if they bring a ton of girls?"

"I don't know, Kelesy. I guess we'll have to fight them off in a battle royal."

She scoffs, "you sound like my ten year old brother."

"Missing home?" I smirk, knowing Kelesy is most definitely not missing home.

"Absolutely not."

"I gotta get to bed, dude." I rub my eyes and yawn.

"Geesh, girl. Did you even sleep last night?"

"Barely." I sigh and sit on the edge of my bed.

"I'll let you sleep."

"Light!" I call out and she hits the light switch for me. "Thanks!"

"Welcome, don't forget the swim suit." She laughs.

I pull my jeans off and curl up under my soft comforter. I close my eyes and it feels like a millisecond before I'm out.

Don't forget the swim suit, I think lastly before drafting off into deep sleep.